Nigeria, South Africa deepen defence ties at Abuja security talks
Nigeria and South Africa on Wednesday opened the 6th session of their Bi-National Commission Defence and Security Committee in Abuja, renewing commitments to joint action against emerging security threats on the continent.
The five-day meeting, which commenced at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre, Asokoro, provides a structured platform for the two African giants to strengthen cooperation in defence, intelligence sharing, training and peace support operations.
In his welcome address, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Dr. Sunday Attah, described the committee as “a key working group of the Bi-National Commission” that allows both nations to review progress, tackle evolving challenges and advance strategic initiatives.
He praised the 5th session held in Johannesburg, noting that it laid the foundation for the current round of deliberations.
Attah reminded delegates of existing frameworks such as the Police Agreement of 2001 and the Defence Cooperation Agreement of 2013, which have supported joint operations, training and capacity-building efforts.
He stressed the need to expand collaboration in counterterrorism, maritime security, peacekeeping missions and other emerging areas.
“As two leading nations on the African continent, Nigeria and South Africa share a responsibility to safeguard regional peace, stability and security,” Attah said, adding that the partnership remains “a strong pillar of African solidarity, rooted in mutual respect and a vision for a secure continent.”
Head of the South African delegation, Simeon Dumisani Dladla, said the Abuja meeting would further consolidate defence cooperation, widen opportunities for military training, deepen intelligence collaboration, and foster stronger ties between the defence industries of both nations.
The meeting brought together officials from South Africa, representatives of Nigeria’s security agencies, relevant ministries, departments and agencies, as well as other stakeholders.
Discussions are expected to focus on practical outcomes aimed at consolidating cooperation across defence and security sectors over the next five days.
